Cuba sets conditions for improved ties
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Cuban President Raul Castro demanded on Wednesday that the United States return the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, lift the half-century trade embargo on Cuba and compensate his country for damages before the two nations re-establish normal relations.
Castro told a summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States that Cuba and the U.S. are working toward full diplomatic relations, but “if these problems aren’t resolved, this diplomatic rapprochement wouldn’t make any sense.”
Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama announced Dec. 17 that they would move toward renewing full diplomatic relations by reopening embassies in each other’s countries.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Castro’s remarks.
Yemeni rebels beat, arrest protesters
SANAA, Yemen – Rebels who control the Yemeni capital beat back dozens of people marching in protest against them on Wednesday, firing automatic rifles in the air and striking protesters with batons and knives.
The violence highlighted the volatility in leaderless Yemen, after the president resigned last week under pressure by the Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, who had placed him under house arrest and demanded a greater share of power.
Witnesses say the rebels detained several protesters and journalists on Wednesday and that around 10 people were lightly wounded in the scuffles. Yemeni newspaper Source Online said that one of its journalists had been taken by the Houthis but was later released.
The Houthis seized Sanaa in September
Associated Press
